Independent Sexual Violence Advocate

Job Description
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Independent Sexual Violence Advocate
Various locations in South Yorkshire
Initially to March 2028
£30,811 per annum (pro rata for part time)
Full and part time positions available

About the role
South Yorkshire Sexual Violence Partnership (SYSVP) is a specialist sexual violence partnership
delivering a regional ISVA service, commissioned by South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined
Authority (SYMCA).

Our Independent Sexual Violence Advocates (ISVA) deliver advocacy, practical and emotional
support to survivors of sexual violence and abuse, both within and outside of the criminal
justice system.

You will be joining an existing team and will provide high quality support and advocacy to
adults who have experienced sexual abuse or harm, using a trauma informed approach.

We are proud that our services meet the national ISVA quality standards and will require the
successful applicant to complete the ISVA development programme at the first available
opportunity, if they haven’t already done so.

The role will be closely linked to other services, both internal and external, and you will work
flexibly and collaboratively to enable children to access the appropriate services at the right
time.

Your work will be overseen by an ISVA Lead, who will also provide you with regular casework
supervision and line management.  In addition, you will participate fully in regular clinical
supervision to support your personal wellbeing and address any issues of vicarious trauma.

Role specific responsibilities

  Providing effective emotional, practical support and advocacy to survivors of sexual

harm in line with ISVA quality standards and organisational policies and safeguarding
frameworks

  To deliver effective support to survivors, and where appropriate their families, to cope

with and recover from, the experience of sexual harm

  Assessing the needs of your clients, developing individual risk and support plans which
address them, maintaining clear, concise and prompt written records of all work
undertaken

  Ensuring that your clients are aware of the services and support they are entitled to

and assisting them to develop an effective support network

  Working with service users in their own homes and other settings and accompanying

them to meetings and appointments, as appropriate

  Working collaboratively with other agencies, attending meetings, contributing to the
overall support for your clients and to promote trauma informed responses (from all
agencies)

  Prioritising the safety of your clients and associated children or adults and, where
relevant, following safeguarding procedures and when required and keeping other
agencies informed about important developments in your clients’ situations

  To  manage  a  caseload,  maintaining  records,  monitoring  and  evaluation  systems  as

required

  To  establish  and  maintain  effective  working  relationships  with  stakeholder  agencies,
including  local  support  agencies,  health,  the  police  and  Crown  Prosecution  Service
(CPS) to ensure appropriate communication and support is available to your clients

  To attend, and contribute to, multi-agency meetings and case conferences

For victim survivors accessing, or considering accessing, the criminal justice system

  Providing your clients with clear explanations of the reporting procedure, timescales

and processes associated with the criminal justice system

  Supporting your clients to make decisions associated with the CJS process and

supporting them to progress through the criminal justice process

  Ensuring your clients’ rights under the Victims Code are upheld, liaising with the

Police and CPS on behalf of the client as is appropriate

  Supporting the need of your clients to access special measures
  Supporting your client through and following trial, in conjunction with Witness

Services

  Providing a clear and comprehensive explanation of the options for civil redress,

including compensation, where appropriate

Additional responsibilities:

◦  To work as part of the South Yorkshire ISVA service, attending meetings and supporting

colleagues across the partnership as appropriate

◦  To provide specialist advice to other workers and agencies, including participation in the

delivery of specialist training and awareness raising sessions

◦  To contribute to the development of service policies, protocols, guidance and strategies

within the practice area

This role description cannot cover every eventuality or task that may arise within this position
and the post holder will be expected to carry out other duties from time to time which are
broadly consistent with the role and the overall objectives of the organisation, any significant
departures from the stated responsibilities will be agreed in consultation with the post
holder.

About you (person specification):
In order to be considered for this position, your application must have:

  Knowledge of the impact of sexual harm, including rape, child sexual abuse and

exploitation

  Experience of working directly with people who have experienced trauma and

personal resilience whilst doing so

  Experience of planning and delivering 1:1 support with service users to address their

identified wellbeing needs

  A demonstrable understanding of the principles of risk management and safety

planning

  An understanding of effective support planning and an ability to work responsively

and flexibly with people who have varied needs and experiences
  Experience of working effectively within a safeguarding framework
  Experience of working collaboratively with other agencies relevant to this work,

including police, social care and mental health services

  A willingness to complete the ISVA development programme and to apply the

learning and knowledge effectively

  An understanding of professional boundaries and confidentiality
  An ability to communicate effectively and sensitively, using a variety of methods, with

a wide range of audiences

  An ability to work on your own initiative, prioritising work effectively and dealing

responsively with changing and competing demands

  Personal resilience and an understanding of the impact of secondary or vicarious

trauma

  A flexible and adaptable approach to work, with a willingness to take on new ideas

and good practice

  Excellent ICT skills and experience of working within a case management system and

using Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook

Ideally, you will also have:

  Completed the ISVA Development Programme or hold a professional qualification in

social work or a related field

  Experience of working with people who have experienced sexual violence and

experience of working in a similar setting

  Demonstrable experience of working with a holistic approach and involving other

professionals for best possible outcomes

  Knowledge of the criminal justice system and an understanding of the impact of

witnesses giving evidence

  Knowledge of local partner agencies and referral routes and an understanding of

partnership working

  An understanding of the processes and barriers associated with help-seeking
  A full driving licence and access to your own vehicle.

Other information
South Yorkshire Sexual Violence Partnership is committed to equal opportunities and
welcomes diversity across our services.  All of our employees are required to adhere to
Equality & Diversity policies and to challenge discrimination wherever it is appropriate.

We strive to be as inclusive as is possible and look to recruit individuals with the right skills,
experience and attitude – we’re less concerned with your educational history and
qualifications (unless the role requires it).